FRIDAY NIGHT SPECIAL NOT TO BE MISSED

This is one of most fun of "THE SUMMER" happenings in Asheville kicking off each weekend.

The Asheville Drum Circle is a regular event on Friday nights at Pritchard Park in downtown. The event usually includes dozens of drummers and hundreds of spectators. It's more fun than you can imagine and sets a great backdrop to Asheville's funky vibe. Enjoy and then walk the funky streets and grab a dang good meal while in Asheville at one of many fab dining spots.

Asheville Goes Funky

Bring home Asheville’s quirky and fun art scene with these two great upcoming bazaars:

The Bizarre Bazaar kicks off on Saturday, May 23, at Lexington Park Courtyard. (The spot is located between North Lexington Ave and Carolina Lane at the gated entrance next to Virtue.) Shop from over 20 local artists, crafters and designers from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rock out to music from local band Now You See Them, and munch on crepes and French fries from Bouchon. Can’t make it this weekend? Don’t stress, the Bizarre Bazaar is held the first and third Saturday through October 17.

Asheville’s Vintage Bazaar is on Saturday, May 30 at The Body at 66 Asheland Ave. The fun lasts from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Local vendors are selling vintage clothing and accessories, artwork, jewelry, an assortment of children’s wares and of other stylish stuff.

DOG HEALTH

If you can't give your pooch a vacation at Ponder Cove....maybe a nice massage will hold them over. Check out our Raquel Wynn's latest TV appearance.
http://www.wgntv.com/landing_middaynews/?428-Book-Stretch-Your-Dog-Healthy=1&blockID=276731&feedID=2412

BUCK MAKES THREE

Meet Jules and Tracye, 2 of our favorite guests. Papa Trevor was loading up the car when I snapped this picture. Tracye and Trevor were two of our first guests and luckily they come back each year. Ms. Jules made her debut at Ponder Cove last year and here she is back for a return engagement much to Buck's delight.

TOP 10 HIKES

1. Gorges State Park: New parking and trails open in May for much better access to rugged river gorges. Hike along the Horsepasture River to see several waterfalls, including Rainbow Falls.
2. Mt. Mitchell: After enjoying the 360-degree vistas from the new observation deck atop the highest peak east of the Rockies, head to the Deep Gap Trail and hike over four more peaks over 6,000 feet.
3. Craggy Gardens: The Blue Ridge Parkway reopens here in May after more than a year of repairs. The Craggy Gardens Trail takes you across a rhododendron bald, and a 1.5-mile roundtrip hike to Craggy Pinnacle offers breathtaking panoramic views.
4. Point Lookout Trail: This new 3.6-mile paved greenway climbs 900 feet in elevation in the Pisgah National Forest. Bike or hike from Old Fort and enjoy great views along the way.
5. Dupont State Forest: The best waterfall hike is a three mile trail to three waterfalls, including the impressive 150-foot High Falls with great places for wading, swimming and waterside picnics.
6. Max Patch: Hike the loop around the summit or continue further on the Appalachian Trail to enjoy breathtaking views from this bald mountaintop.
7. Cold Mountain: This famous mountain offers a strenuous 10.6-mile roundtrip hike to its summit through the wilderness area of the Pisgah National Forest. The hike includes a 2,800 foot altitude gain to the 6,030-foot peak.
8. Graveyard Fields: This highland hike features beautiful views in a mile-high valley filled with wildflowers and surrounded by 6,000-foot peaks. With an easy four mile hike, you see two nice waterfalls.
9. Black Balsam Knob: Hike across more spectacular mountain balds. These treeless mountaintops in the Pisgah National Forest offer sweeping views and alpine-like appearance. Hike three miles without dropping back into the trees.
10. Urban Trail: If you are looking for an urban hike, walk the 1.7-mile journey that showcases the art and history of Asheville, with 30 downtown stops, each with public sculpture.

Easter Morn

Driving on a bright sunny day
I soaked up my Carolina,
Viewing hillsides of Fresh spring green
and a sky so blue not interrupted by a single cloud

little shacks pasted against the hillsides
with satellites dwarfing their size even more
Low slung valleys with homes sunk so deep
I could shiver from the imagined chill

Hot Springs in view
the local diner seemed to call
5.99 Senior Special, chicken livers, pintos and fried okra
Easter dinner complete and on the road again

Our destination came into view
A bald on the Appalachian trail
Max Patch they call it
Seems Julie Andrews was right, the hills are alive

SPRING HAS SPRUNG

The sun is shining and all is well at the Cove. We hibernated more than enough and are thrilled to see our guests coming again. Our wedding season has started and what a way to kick it off. We loved having Bethanie and Aaron saying their "I Do's" at Ponder Cove just last week. Congratulations and come back real soon. Hugs,m

RAQUEL WYNN ROCKS!

just a reminder -

tune into Rachael's show "wynn with dogs" on www.petliferadio.com and learn how to win with dogs!

spread the word!

DOGS ARE AMAZING

Everyone must go to this video. It is one of the most courageous acts I have ever witnessed.......DOG SAVES DOG FROM FREEWAY!

First Fridays at Grove Arcade

Asheville's Groove Arcade plans to combat the Winter Blues with Motown Music, Great Food and Drinks

The first Friday event will feature music, food and drinks that will transport you to Coney Island and take you back in time. First Friday will debut on Friday, February 6, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. with additional events taking place on March 6 and April 3.

In February, First Friday will feature Motown music from Steve Davidowski & Friends, wine and beer from Santé, cherry cokes and root beer floats from Red Bike, chili dogs from Cats and Dawgs, frozen treats from Kamm’s Custard, Coney Island Iced Teas from Carmel’s, pizza from True Confections and much more. It’s going to be a real party. So grab your friends and head downtown to boogie the winter blues away!

FREE CALENDAR FOR YOU

Enjoy this little tool as a gift from Ponder Cove. I hope you take advantage of this on-line calendar. I have used this for years and just love it. It's an easy download, doesn't take much space and can be forwarded to all of your family and friends. If you missed it go to www.dtesusa.com/pondercovedogs for the Dog Contest winner calendar and celebrate all of these cutie patooties.

Then there is our gorgeous nature calendar featuring Gary's photos that I have reissued......

Just in from our frequent guest Christine. Just in time for your e-mailing card list. Save a stamp and give your friends a big dog lick instead....http://www.sloppykisscards.com/ecards.php.
HO HO HO....martha and critters

DESIGN GALLERY in BURNSVILLE

There is no better place than the Design Gallery for your Holiday Shopping. Wendy Reid has brought a flare of sophistication to the mountains featuring the best of craft, a kitchen corner that waaaay outdoes Williams and Sonoma and then there is her infamous Knitting Nook featuring lessons and all of the latest in yarns. Sitting pretty in downtown Burnsville which is one of our favorite small towns within close proximity to Ponder Cove.

Also note this new film I just picked up from the Yancey County Chamber of Commerce. It will cool your blood pressure and just let you feel the wonder of our mountains.

Come see us...and the Design Gallery.

LET IT SNOW

Gorgeous, or what???? We went out and would you believe it stopped a mile down the road. We went on to Asheville and enjoyed a sunny afternoon and came home to 5 inches. So, we have our own little private winter wonderland.

LOTS GOING ON

TRESSA'S IS HAPPENING

1-Dec Service Industry Appreciation Night with D Mack
Fabulous House Music & Great Drink Specials all night !

2-Dec Chuck Lichtenberger's "Evening Of Jazz" with Special Guests
Theme: Sonny Rollins Tunes
www.myspace.com/chucklichtenberger

3-Dec Ms Jones and The Velvetones
Celebrate Mid Week Ladies Night with Dance and Martinis
www.thevelvetones.com

4-Dec LIFT with DJ's Joshu and Friends
Delicious Music for Body and Soul
www.unbreakabledesign.com

5-Dec Gashouse Mouse
Blues and Dance

6-Dec Ruby Mayfield and M-Pride
Celebrate with Fun and Dance from Blues to Rock'n Roll
www.myspace.com/mayfieldmusic


8-Dec Service Industry Appreciation Night with D Mack
Fabulous House Music & Great Drink Specials all night !

9-Dec Chuck Lichtenberger's "Evening Of Jazz" with Special Guests
Theme: Wayne Shorter Tunes
www.myspace.com/chucklichtenberger

10-Dec Ms Jones and The Velvetones
Celebrate Mid Week Ladies Night with Dance and Martinis
www.thevelvetones.com

11-Dec Peggy Ratusz' Invitational Blues Jam
A great Night of Fun with local Artists
www.myspace.com/peggyratusz2

12-Dec Peggy Ratusz and Daddy longlegs
Fun, Dance, and Blues
www.myspace.com/peggyratusz2

13-Dec Jazz The Ripper Christmas Show
Enjoy an eclectic Mix of Jazz and Funk
www.sonicbids.com/jazztheripper


15-Dec Service Industry Appreciation Night with D Mack
Fabulous House Music & Great Drink Specials all night !

16-Dec Chuck Lichtenberger's "Evening Of Jazz" with Special Guests
Theme: Thelonius Monk Tunes
www.myspace.com/chucklichtenberger

17-Dec Ms Jones and The Velvetones
Celebrate Mid Week Ladies Night with Dance and Martinis
www.thevelvetones.com

18-Dec Free Flow
Ol' Skool Soul and Funk

19-Dec Ms Jones and The Velvetones
Start your weekend with Dance and Martinis
www.thevelvetones.com

20-Dec The Nightcrawlers
Fun, Dance, and Blues
www.nightcrawlersband.com


22-Dec Service Industry Appreciation Night with D Mack
Fabulous House Music & Great Drink Specials all night !

23-Dec Chuck Lichtenberger's "Evening Of Jazz" with Special Guests
Theme: Miles Davis' Favorites
www.myspace.com/chucklichtenberger

24-Dec Club closed in Observance of Christmas Eve

25-Dec Closed in Observance of the Holiday

26-Dec The Levi Douglas Blues Band
Start your weekend with great Texas Blues
www.myspace.com/levidouglasband

27-Dec Ruby Mayfield and M-Pride
Celebrate with Fun and Dance from Blues to Rock'n Roll
www.myspace.com/mayfieldmusic


29-Dec Service Industry Appreciation Night with D Mack
Fabulous House Music & Great Drink Specials all night !

30-Dec Chuck Lichtenberger's "Evening Of Jazz" with Special Guests
Theme: Miles Davis' Tunes
www.myspace.com/chucklichtenberger

31-Dec Our 12th Annual New Year's Eve Bash!
Get down to the funky sound of Free Flow!
Complimentary Champagne in both bars, Party Favors, Soul Food Buffet upstairs!

GINGERBREAD HOUSE CONTEST

Don't miss the Gingerbread Houses at Grove Park Inn. This is an amazing display of gingerbread houses from the National Gingerbread House Competition at the famous Grove Park Inn on November 19-January 11. Non guests must visit on Mondays-Thursdays. The tour is free and you can enjoy the elaborate decorations at the grand hotel, enjoy a cocktail at the beautiful and festive bar and soak up the site of these culinary masterpieces. And don't forget to go down the hill to the Grovewood Gallery, voted the Number 1 gallery in the country for a little shopping.

PUMPKIN PIE

OK...I have never made this one but can't wait. I will let you know after next Thursday if you don't beat me to it. m

1 pie crust
2 cups hazelnuts (divided) , toasted
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon arrowroot (or cornstarch)
1 1/2 cups of pumpkin puree (not sweet stuff)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 extra large eggs PLUS one for glaze, lightly beaten
1 cup coconut milk

Preheat oven to 350 degrees, racks in the middle.

Puree 1 1/2 cups of the toasted hazelnuts in a food processor until they turn into a hazelnut paste, past the 'crumble' stage. Set aside. Chop the remaining 1/2 cup of hazelnuts and set aside separately, these will be sprinkled on top after the pie is baked.

To make the pumpkin pie filling, whisk together the brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice blend, salt, and arrowroot. Stir in the pumpkin puree, and vanilla. Now stir in the eggs and coconut milk until just combined. Set aside.

Before filling the pie crust, crumble the hazelnut paste on top of the pie dough into the pie plate, quickly and gently press it into a thin layer across the bottom creating a layer of hazelnuts that will sit between the dough and the filling. Using the last egg gently brush the decorative edges of the pie dough. Use a fork to prick the pie dough a few times to prevent air bubbles. Fill the pie crust with the filling and bake for about 50 minutes - the center of the pie should just barely jiggle when you move the pie - the edges should be set.

Let the pie cool a bit, this makes slicing less messy. Serve straight or with a dollop of bourbon-spiked, sweetened whipped cream or creme fraiche, and a sprinkling of chopped hazelnuts.

Makes one 9 or 10-inch pie.

THE SPIRIT IS UPON US!

This is waaaay too good of an idea for December. Come on to Ponder Cove and hunker down by a warm fire and I'll serve up a toasty breakfast. We have had 3 little snows so far and we are hoping for a whopping good one before long. Then go into Asheville one night to enjoy all the citified festivities. Toooooo much fun. Enjoy the below news....hot off the press...

"Holiday nights in downtown Asheville get a glitzy makeover this December with Asheville Seasonal Sizzle: 21 days of not-so-silent nights. Merrymakers will enjoy free fireworks, live entertainment, seasonal appetizer specials at local restaurants, and extended hours of evening shopping in downtown Asheville's eclectic boutiques and craft galleries.

Included in the festivities, visitors will find:

* Weekend firework displays sponsored by The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa -Seasonal Sizzle at Seven - will take place on Saturdays, Dec. 6, 13 and 20 at 7 p.m. in downtown Asheville.
* Participating independent restaurants will feature "Appy Hour" appetizer specials on Thursdays, Dec. 1 through 21 from 5 to 7 p.m. Local restaurants will also offer "Sizzle Specials" on the Saturday evenings with fireworks (Dec. 6, 13 and 20).
* Asheville visitors will receive a warm holiday welcome as "Downtown Docent" guides walk the downtown streets directing guests to Seasonal Sizzle festivities, holiday happenings and other points of interest."

The Dog Can't Come?

My ears stung and my heart sank as I took in the simple words….”the dog can’t come”. I was devastated. I was definitely from the school LOVE ME, LOVE MY DOG and I just couldn’t imagine why my dear friend of 25 years did not want my 90 pound weimeraner bouncing through his Sonoma Valley home and garden. Hmmmmm….now lets’ analyze my dog Henry’s last trip. I had just moved back to San Francisco and Gary and I decided to surprise our old friends, Bob and Fred. We had a delightful afternoon enjoying the beautiful weather, speaking of old times and trust me……I was not paying attention to my one year old bundle of joy, running amuck, digging in their garden and crapping in the vegetables.


Then night time came and before we could settle into our designer sheets, Henry proceeded to start gagging. I jumped up and ran down the stairs and got him outside just in time for him to throw up. Of course the dreaded diarrhea followed. He always reacted to new water and this was a problem we suffered through his entire life. So we were up and down the stairs no less that 4 times during the night. Not to mention….Henry had a terrible habit of swallowing rocks. So, if he wasn’t throwing up he was gagging long enough for rocks to spew across the floor in an exorcist fashion. I am sure if our friends did not hear us running up and down the stairs they certainly heard the rocks rattling across the floor.


Now is the time to note. My friends had never owned dogs and never wanted to own a dog. They lived in a gorgeous designer home which was their pride. Each and every new wall constructed, garden designed, veggies planted or fountain placed was meticulously thought out and built over 30 years. It was a beautiful retreat, their hobby and their life. They were the most generous of fellows and had shared it with all of us through the years.


Flash forward 12 years. Well, being a bit more mature and having owned a dog-friendly B & B for 5 ½ years I must say….I owe them a serious apology. After my noted experience as an Innkeeper, trust me I have a list of dogs I would like to say “the dog can’t come” but this is our business and we work around the very few troublesome cases. But as they say…it is not the dog it is the owner.


So, let’s get shakin’ and make this a very successful Holiday season. I will attempt to lay out the perfect formula to make you the best house guest ever WITH BOWSER IN TOW.

1) Make sure Bowser gets a bath. He will shed less while being a guest and he certainly will smell better.

2) Make sure you pack Bowser’s much needed supplies in an appropriate box. I own the big Rubbermaid tubs that I buy from Target. Mine are the size of my dog crates. So, when we arrive it is stored on top of the crate. A tidy guest is a happy host.

3) Make sure you have the much needed supplies. a) Blanket or sheet to cover bed if Bowser is a bed buddy. b) food c) bottled water. (It can be from your tap but it will prevent stomach problems if your dog is sensitive and used to your tap water) d) water bowl....Hosts hate being asked for kitchen bowls. It is just not sanitary... e) if you use canned food, bring the can opener f)place mat for water and food bowls g)your own paper towels and h) NATURE'S MIRACLE...in the case of emergency there is no better product. You can buy it at any pet supply store. The stain and smell are taken care of immediately!

4) Make sure you take the crate if he is crate trained. He or she will settle much better on arrival in his own bedroom versus a strange house.

5) Make sure Bowser is comfortable in the car before the journey. Give him plenty of room. Take along his favorite blanket and allow him to settle in nicely.

6) Make sure he gets plenty of pee breaks and exercise. You are taking him along on your trip. He is not taking you on his. So, be mindful of his needs. He will arrive much less stressed.

7) Make sure upon arrival you give a call to your host from the car and tell them you have arrived but you need to walk the dog first. Yes, everyone is excited to see you and you are dying to throw your arms around grandma. But what happens in the mayhem is stressful for Bowser. Don’t open up the opportunity for Bowser to sneak around the corner for a much needed pee while the hellos get to a feverish pitch. Maybe someone will join you for the walk.

8) Make sure you DO NOT GO INTO THE HOUSE UNTIL THE DOG HAS RELIEVED HIMSELF. I had a huge lab squat as soon as she got in my door recently and release a good quart. Trust me the guest was embarrassed, although they did flee back into the garden expecting me to do the cleaning. As you can see I am still holding a grudge….hmmm…if I was family what do you think I’d say the next time they called.

9) Make sure you put the dog back in the car and give yourself the luxury of receiving all the hugs and kisses you deserve and then let the excitement subside.

10) Make sure to ask the host if it is OK to bring in the dogs crate and supply tub. Set up Bowser’s new digs.

11) Make sure to ask….last but not least ….”Can Bowser come in?” The answer is going to be, “OF COURSE”.

This is nothing but good common sense but at times common sense escapes us with times being so hurried and stressful. All of the steps above are the normal procedures but doubtful you would have thought it through so meticulously if not reminded. So, pack the bags, fill up the car, grab the dog and head out for the best Holiday Season ever.


Last but not least….if you have had a not so good visit with a pooch of recent. Send this article along with an apology and tell them you are much better prepared. Because truth be told...grandma wants to see the grand dog too.

Madison County Happenings

Brought to you by the Madison County Arts Council 11/22: April is back! The April Verch Band

12/13: Bobby Hicks and Friends Benefit Concert

12/20: Holiday Dance with Blue Wing

1/17: Senator Joe Sam Queen calls the dance!

1/24: Laura and Josh and Barbara

1/31: The Barrel House Mamas - Sweet & Sultry

Madison County Arts Center NEWS

MY MOM'S OATMEAL COOKIES

Got bored yesterday and decided to whip up some cookies. Pulled this one out of my mom's file and I had forgotten how good and easy it was. They melt down while cooking to a thin crispy cookie which I really like....I hear tea time calling me...So, I can enjoy a few more...Now it is your turn. xxoxoxom

1/2 cup butter
1 cup sugar ( I use part brown)
1 egg
1/2 tsp vanilla
3/4 cup flour
1/2 tsp. soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups oatmeal
1/2 cup nuts or coconut

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cream butter and sugar and then add egg and vanilla and beat some more. Stir in remaining ingredients. Drop by teaspoonful 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheet. Bake for about 12 minutes. YUMMO!